History of Williams Oil

Russ & Fran Williams started this company in Sept of 1952 while living in Richmond. Russ loaded his one truck in Brunswick and his territory was Richmond and Litchfield and we still deliver there today. The 1st office was in a private home in Farmingdale the lady that lived there took the phone calls and russ would call her fro deliveries usually from a customers house, because he didn't have a 2 way radio and this was way before cell phones.

The next office was on Bridge St. in Gardiner across from the T.W. Dick Co. the location of that office is now one of the entrances to the Hannaford store. There were 3 employees now 1 in the office and 2 truck drivers.

In 1961 the business moved to it's current location at 180 West Hill Rd. (before enhanced 911 it was 17 Cobbossee Ave ) behind New Mills Mkt. at that time there was no service department, everything was given to subcontractors. Along with 4 oil trucks the company also delivered propane in 100 lb. tanks and a special building was used to house these tanks. Propane was part of the business for about 20 years. The property always had it's own bulk storage plant which started out as underground but was moved to above ground for many years, then because of new rules and regulations a modern bulk plant was put in, in 2006.

In the 1980's a service department was added to give our customers the best care possible for their heating systems. In 1994 because of the death of both Fran & Russ their daughter Connie Greenleaf & grandson Rusty Greenleaf took over the business and to this day offer excellent service to customer within approximately a 20 mile radius of Gardiner, these are some of the products and services we offer: #2 Heating oil, K-1 kerosene, diesel, propane for bar-b-q grills and motor homes, complete hot water and steam heating systems, warm air systems, air conditioning installations, oil fired water heaters, fuel tanks, annual cleaning and inspections of heating units, free estimates, prompt and courteous service and deliveries. We support local community activities and many school sponsored projects. We take Visa & Mastercard, offer pre-buy, and cap programs on #2 heating oil and K-1, plus budget plans, automatic fill or will call service. We are part of LIHEAP for oil and service. We're open 7-5 from mid Sept - End of April and from 7-4 the beginning of May thru mid Sept. We offer Senior citizen discounts and service our regular oil and non oil customers.

And now about our employees:

Connie Greenleaf became president in 1994 prior to that she started working in the business in Sept 1978 doing all office jobs. In June 1994 she took over the running of the business that went from Williams Oil Co. to Russ Williams Fuel, Inc. Her responsibilities increased and so did her commitment to church and community serving on many committees in the church and on the Gardiner Main St. board of directors (as of it's 1st president) and Board of Trade (also as it's president) for 3 years. She is also active with the Maine Energy Marketers Association as a board member and on the Executive Committee. Connie has 2 grown daughters, 1 grown son all of which are married and she has 7 grandchildren.

Russell (Rusty) Greenleaf officially started working in 1988 but was involved from the time he was 8 years old. Going on the oil truck with his grandfather (Russ Williams) and working around the business at whatever needed to be done. After graduating from Gardiner Area High School he attended Southern Maine Technical College and got his degree for servicing and installing heating systems, he also has his associated degree in business. He does all the estimating of any type of oil fired heating system. Works with the installation of these systems. He holds a Master license in solid fuels. Many days you'll see him in an oil truck making deliveries in the area. He is married and has 3 daughters. Rusty is very involved with Gardiner Rotary and has been it's president and received Paul Harris award for leadership. He also service as Chairman of the Board of Trustees in his church.

Jim Smith came to work with us for as a part time oil delivery driver and has stayed with us since 1990. He spends most of his time delivering oil all over the area. Jim also holds a Journeymen's license allowing him to successfully work on all types of equipment. Jim is our storyteller and will always have a huge smile on his face whether is is 2:00 in the afternoon or 2:00 in the morning. Jim is married and has 3 grown daughters and 1 grown son and 2 granddaughters.

Dwayne James 1st came to work for us in Feb. 1988 and went to work driving an oil truck but when we started a service department that's where his knowledge best suited him. There aren't many problems or pieces of equipment he can't repair. Dwayne also is a Master license holder and when he comes to your home he is quiet, knowledgeable and gets the problem taken care of and will be on his way to the next appointment. We consider him one of the best technicians in the state. Dwayne has 2 grown daughters and 1 grandson.

Mark Champagne came to work with us in Oct. 2007. Mark has many years of experience in the oil business and can do it all. Drive an oil truck, service equipment and work in the office. Mark has great knowledge and a wonderful asset to our business. He has many customers who ask for him to come to their homes because of the many years of experience he has. Mark is married and and 2 daughters.

Cheryl Woodman is a seasonal employee she that has been with us since 2004. She works from Oct.-March and is also very knowledgeable in our office procedure. Having lived in the area all of her life she knows many of our customers and their families. She'll answer any questions concerning an account and take the time to make you feel your the only customer we have. Cheryl is married and has 2 grown daughters and 3 grandchildren.